Variable ratchet drive feed mechanism



April 1, 1924. 1,489,014

J. SHELLENBERGER VARIABLE RATCHET DRIVE FEED MEGHANISM Filed sept. sof.1919 s sheets-shut Y 1,489,014 J. SHL'BENBER'GR VARIABLE RATCHET DRIVEFEED MECHANI'SM Eilat] Semi. 30. 1919 1 5 sans nsneet i @UMa/QZ s myPatented Apr. 1, 1924.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFF ICE.

v JOHN SHELLENBERGER, OF ROME, GEORGIA, ASSIGNOR TO SEALED CASE COMPANY,A

CORPORATION OF NEW YORK.

VA-RIABLE RATCHET DRIVE FEED MECHANISM.

Application led September 30, 1919. Serial No. 327,583.

To ad whomit may concern l Be it known that I, JoHN SHELLENBERGER, acitizen of the United States of America, and resident'of Rome, FloydCounty, State of Georgia, have invented certain nen7 and usefulImprovements in Variable Ratchet Drive Feed Mechanisms and the like, ofwhich the followinof is a specification.

This invention relates to certain improvements in actuating.;` devicesforstep by step feed mechanisms and the like; and the objects and natureof the invention will be readily understood by those skilled in the artin the light of the following explanation of the accompanying drawingsillustrating what I now believe to be the preferred mechanicalexpression or embodiment of my invention from among other forms,constructions and arrangements within the spirit and scope thereof.

The wire bound box blanks of commerce are usually produced inelongateddat form of a length to bend along intermediate transverse lines so thata single blank will form two or more, usually all four, side walls of abox or container, with the binding wires continuous throughout thelength of the blank and across the joints or spaces at said transverselines between thesections of the blank.' These blanks 'usuallyconsist ofthin pieces or boards of lumber or veneer, cleats or battens, bindingwires, and staples straddling the wires and securing the wires, lumberand cleats or battens together.

The staples are arranged in rows along the binding,r Wires but thestaples of a row are not uniformly spaced because of the joints orspaces between the various sections of the complete blank where staplescannot be located. These Wire bound blanks are usually produced by moreor less automatic machinery wherein periodically movable or step by stepfeeding' mecha- .nism carries the properly assembled parts .of eachblank forwardly to periodically movable stapling` devices, saiddevicesapplying1 the staples While Vthe feeding mechanism is at rest, thespacing of the staples longitudinally of the blank being determined by.thelength ofthe feeding or forward strokes .of the feeding mechanism.In these machines, the feeding mechanism is actuated by a ratchet` Wheeland pawl timed to move in certain relation with respect to the movementsof the stapling devices. The

circumference of the ratchet wheel is usually of such length `that acomplete wire bound blank will be stapled, will pass through thestapling devices, on eaclrcomplete revolution of said Wheel. In suchmachines, the throw of the ratchet is usually uniform or the same atevery stroke, and hence the spacing of the staples is determined by thearrangement of the teeth of the ratchet Wheel. A ratchetI wheel can beof the proper diameter and have its teeth so arranged as to locate thestaples as desired along a blank of a certain known length with acertain known arrangement of joints or spaces between the sections ofthe blank. In other Words, this 1atclietwlieel will constitute a patternfor a run of similar blanks uniform in size. Diiiiculties arise,however` when it is desired to produce blanks of a diiferent size orarrangement on the one machine. It then becomes necessary to provide aseparate-ratchet wheel for each blank size or arrangement. A. blank of adifferent length requires a ratchet wheel of a different diameter with adifferent tooth pattern or arrangement, and a blank of the same lengthbut with a different spacing of the joints or spaces between thesections will require a ratchet Wheel with a correspondingly peculiartooth pattern or arrangement.

This saine difficulty is true of ratchet- Wheel-actuated step by stepfeed mechanisms in machines used for other purposes and work thanstapling, whenrit becomes desirable to vary the spacing or the lengthsofthe steps making up a' complete operation.

It is the object of my invention to provide ratchet actuating1 means forstep by step feed mechanisms wherein the ratchet teeth or elementsmovable in an endless path can be increased or decreased in number andwherein the spacing or arrangement of such teeth can be varied. with theend in view of overcoming' the hereinbefore mentioned difficulties.

With these and other objects in view, my invention consists in certainnovel features inV construction and in combinations and arrangements asmore fullyT and particularly set forth. and specified hereinafter.

Referring to the accompanying draw- -indes- Figa` 1, illustrates oneamong other applications4 of `my invention; said figure parlil) vstep bystep.

the full Width of teleth in a broadl or generic sense to iuclude anysuitable projections or shoulders or other means with which the ratchetchain is provided and with which the pawl or its equivalent cooperatesto advance the chain As an'example I show the chain illustrated,provided With'outwardly (radially) extending projections or lugs chavingl transverse concavities or rounded depressions a in their rearend edues and also preferably intheir front end edges. Each concavitypreferably extends across the lug and is located intermediate the lengthof the lug end. In this example, these lugs are rigid with and projectoutwardly from certain links a of the 'chain and are offset from thecentral portions of the links, i, e, each lug is located relativelyclose to one end of its link and relatively remote from the other end ofits link and both ends of the lug are formed to operatively receive thepawl.

The chain, in the example shown, is made up of series of links4 a, as,c, detachably and pivotally connected in any suitable or Well knownmanner as hy pivots a5. The links are detachably connected so that linkscan be yremoved or added to increase and diminish the length(circumference) of the chain, to reverse any one or more of the links a,or to arrange the links a accordinp,` to any desired spacing eitheruniform or irregular.A The idlersprocket wheel 14 can be adjusted tocorrespond to the length of the chain and maintainl the chain stretchedas may be required, by the addition or removal of chain links.

The pawl b'can be of any suitable construction and formation and movedback and forth on its operative and return strokes by 'any suitablemeans and in any desirable manner although the operation ofthe pawl is,in this instance, timed with the operation of the stapling devices sothat the stapling devices will 'perform their stapling operations on theblanks while the pawl is on 4its return strokes with the feed mechanismat rest and hence so that the stapling devices will be at rest so far asthe blanks are concerned while the feed mechanism is performing itsfeedingr strokes.

In the example illustrated by certain figures of the drawing, I show thepaw] carried by and pivoted toa gear or toothed sector 25 looselymounted on shaft 9 and arranged beside sprocket 12 with the pawl abovethe chain and its free end restingI loosely thereon. This pawl carrieris swung;

Aor osc-illated by 'lever 26 fulcrumed to a frame standard 54 and havinga toothed sector meshing with the teeth of the pawl carrie!1 25. Thedepending long' arm of the lever is pivotally connected with the driveshaft 4 through the medium of link 27 and eccentric or crank connection28. This y completed crank connection is preferably adjustable and theconnection between link 27 and lever 2G is also preferably adjustablefor obvious purposes, such as varying the throw or stroke of the pawl.

It' so desired, the pairl Z) can he mounted on lever or carrier 25 tothe lower end of which the link 2T to the crank of shaft 4 can he-pivotally joined. The pawl .7; can be carried by a slide instead of a.swinging;r or piifoted carrier. For instance, the pawl I) can bepivot-ally slide 25b so that the free end of the paivl operativelyengages the ratchet chain. This slide is confined to reciprocate inguidcwny 28a carried by bracket 17. The slide is reciprocated in thedesired sequence with re spect to the operations of the stapling devicesby the crank 28 of shaft 4 through the medium of lever 26 and links 26and 26". j

I do not wish to limit my invention to any particular pawl carrier andmeans for operating` the same.

The pawl b is so arranged with respect to the ratchet chain and itsteeth, that on its return stroke the pawl will slide loosely along' theratchet chain and over a ratchet tooth and drop behind said tooth, andthen on its operative stroke, the free end of the pawl will engage therounded depression or conravity a of said tooth and rotate or more theratchet chain forwardly the required distance to advance the feed andblanks carried thereby a step or feeding movement.

In the specic embodiment illustrated, the concavities a are of advantagein holding the panl to the tooth and prcventin the pawl from slippingfrom the tooth and in reducing wear to the minimum. The pawl moves afixed and predetermined distance on each operative stroke. and hence thelength of the advance of thc feed and blanks at each feeding stroke iscontrolled by the arrangement and spacing of the ratchet teeth. Thespacing` and location of the staples longitudinally of the completedblank is determined by the location and spacing of the ratchet teethalong,r thc endless ratchet connection or wheel, and hence saidconnection or wheel forms a patrn for the stapling arrangement on theblanks.

In practice,A the length of the ratchet chain or endless connection, thecircumference thereof, is preferably equal to the lengthof the completedblank plus the distance or spacing between the rear end of a blank andthe front end of the succeeding blank. The ratchet teeth on the ratchetchain indicate or represent the tra nsveise portions of the blank thatWill be successively presented to the stapling devices to receivetransverse rows of staples, and the location of each ratchet tooth onthe ratchet joined to a reciprocatingA e; This 'spacing vo verse rowsoi' staples on the v each `sheet countered in Y ating devices andattached so.

`blank and'not elsewhere, and

A"that the gage or stop l0 thereof staples will he cated on 'the'nextoperative stroke of. said devices.

- length onsection ratchet too teeth of. said links.

adjustable .of the steps chain with respect to the other teeth of thechain determines the. location of the transblank with res ect to theremainingstaples and the various'portions of theblank.` The teeth aresol arranged on the chain that one or more transverscrows of stapleswill be applied to or board of the l'ilank avoiding the spaces between.boards and the joints'A betvveen sections, and .this necessitatesirregular s acin'g'of the teeth. Usnallyjin adjusting tieratchet chainor Wheel for a rnnof blanks of a certain size `and section arrange ment,lin is` are detached 'and the chain removed` .from the sprocket* Wheeland straightened 'out' on; a pattern of the blank 4t'o be producechand;.links are then detached that teeth a 'willbe located i' staples on theso that the chain will equal the length ot the blank plus t le desiredspacing between blanks. `The chain is then restore to its Sprocketwheels in such manner that the over each transverse row o length of the`vfirst tooth' willbefin engagement with the arranged chains so will beat the beginning 'of its operative movement with respectto the staplingdevices to receive thel first board of the blank' to be formed so thatthe irst transverse rows of properly applied to and lo pawl and with thefeed Whenevena changeis Ato be made in the arrangements oi' the blanksto. be produced, thc ratchet chain is adjusted accordingly, "lhedistancebetween each t and theffolloiving toothl can bvadding or removing linksa?, teeth' can also be ar rangedfby reversing some ci' the links ebecau'seo'-the off center 'arrangement of tie be varied I have thusprovided, what is in elect, an ratchet wheel, an l `therebyovercome!seriousl diiiicnlties heretofore enthe operation` of ratchet.oper n islns'ior wire bonn box blank machines, as Well as forotherinachines where' devices periodically perroimvaricus functions or'operations onor with respect to Work that isadvanced thereto ste rbystep and where itis desirable to vary tlPe-spacingV orlcngths I-t isevidenti that various changes, -variations and dep c ,rtures'niight beiresorted l to `without departmgirorn the spirit and" scope A mentsthroughont said fpath,

means whereby at each drive stroke to successively engage and advance,one of saiduteeth. wherebyv said means 1s propclledstep by stepaccording tosnid toothv arrangement and spacing.

2L VRatchet means:oidrivingjstep by 'step feed mechanism, com rising anendlesstravcling v` conn 3ction algiistable in length and rcvided Vwithratchet teeth adjustable to ver)7 their spacing and arrangement longi#tndinally- Qtsaid connection, and a driving paal opcratin' at each drivestroke'to en gage one oisaid teetlrv'vherebj,1l` lsaid connection isadvanced step by step according to the location and spacing of theteeth.

Ratchet means for driving step step mechanism and the like, comprisingan endless eed-niechanismpropelling connection 4embodying separabledetachable links whereby the connectioncan be varied. in length byadding and removing links, certain of said links being formed withratchet teeth whereby i d ar rangement londitudinally of said connectioncan be 'varie y shifting the relative positions of said ratchetv teethlinks in said oo nnectio'n,' and a driving 'pavvl Jfor successivelyengaging andadvancing said teeth to, propel said connection stepluy-step according to the tooth spacing and arrangement.;v

4. Ratchet devicesA for driving:l mechanisms step by step, comprising'means 'movable in an endless path; and coupledl'ftosaid mechanism orpropelling` the saine step by step, said means embodying individuallyremovable ratchet teeth shiitable to provide various ratchet tooth'spacings. and arrangeand a. driving pawl operating at each drivestroketogengage and advance one ot said teetlrand corr respondinglypropelsaid means step by I step. i5; Ratchet vdevices for drivingmechanism steprbv step,. mprising an en' vance the same step ,bystep,`said' belt venibodving detachable links Jformed with ratchetteeth, and a driving 'pawil operating at each drive stroke to engageandadvance saidbelt step by one of 'said teeth to propel by step' feed,provided with an end esssuccession of @ratchet teeth' and rembodyin v innumber and and decreased be varied,

spacing of said teetlrcan driving means operating stroke "to engage andadvance one ot said (SSS ,v link belt coupled to said' mechanisintoadlsaid teeth ican begincreasec i whereby f thei step according toteethwvhereby said feedis propelled sten by the tooth spacing and-arrangement. A

LA step by ste-p feed, and means for `periodically operating onthe Workadvanced by said feed, said feed embodying a Work vgage .or stop,incombinationvvith lratchet mechanism positively coupled 4to said feedto drive the `same step by step and age, said bearing certain relationlto said ess series mechanism provided with an end of ratchet teeth yandembodyin means whereby lthe spacing between an relative arrangement ofsaid teeth can be varied, and driving devices timed to move with respectto the movements of said means for periodically operating on the Workand operating at each drive stroke to engage and advance one of saidteeth whereby vsaid feed is propelled step by'step according to thetooth spacing and arrangement.

S. Actuating means for step-by-step feed mechanism comprising anadjustable endless travelling chain comprising separable links,

certain of said links provided with outwardly projecting ratchet teethrigid therewith, and a pawl movable back and forth and engaging one ofsaid teeth upon each back and forth movement Ato propel the chain.

9. Actuating means for feed mechanism comprising an endless travelingchain comprising separable links whereby the chain can be expanded andcontracted and whereby tlie links can be variously arranged therein,certain of said linksformed with ratchet teeth, sprocket wheels carryingsaid chain, one of said. Wheels constituting the driving means for saidfeed mechanism,

means whereby the distance between said wheels can be varied, and meansfor periodicallyja'nd successively. engaring said teeth to propel saidchain forwarc y step by step.

10. Actuating means for feed mechanism comprising a wheel for drivingsaid mechaF nism, A an endless chain for driving said wheel, anadjustable idler wheel for said chain, said chain provided with spacedratchet teeth projecting outwardly therefrom, a pawl carrier movableback and forth over said chain, actuating means for said carrier, and apivoted pawl depending from said carrier and arranged to successivelyengage said teeth to propel said chain forward step by step.

1,1;Actuating mechanism means comprising an endless chain arranged topropel said means step by step, said chain l cmbodyinor pivotallyvjoined separable links, certain o' said linksformed with similarprojecting lugs forming ratchet teeth rigid therewith, whereby the.chain can be contracted or expanded by the removal or addition oi linksand whereby the spacing and arrangement of said teeth can be varied,

for Vfeeding supporting means for said chain, and means to periodicallyand successively engage said teeth and thereby move said chain forwardstep by step. A

12. Actuating means forfeed mechanism comprising an endless chainarranged to propel said mechanism, supporting means for said chain, saidchain provided with projecting ratchet teeth havingintermediatetransverse concave depressions in their edges, a psi-wl atits free edge formed to en age sai de ressions and propel the chainforwardly 'tirough theV medium of said teeth, and means 4to operate saidpawl back and forth to successively engage said teeth and push the sameforwardl f.

13. Actnating means for eed mechanism comprising an endless chainarranged to propel said mechanism, supporting means for said chain, saidchain includin detach able reversible links formed with rigid outwardlyprojecting ratchet teeth, each lntchet tooth being similarly formed atits front and rear edge to receive the edge of a. paivl for pushing thechain forward, a pawl for successively engaging said teeth to propel thechain, and pawl operating means.

14. A machine for use in making boxes comprising, in combination,Work-forwarding means; fastener-setting mechanism: and a single meansfor causing relative progression between4 said mechanism and the work,comprising a feed chain having connection with said work-forwardingmeans and a reciprocating motionimparting device adapted tovpropnlsivcly engage said chain intermittently. l

l5. A machine for use in making boxes comprising, in combination,endless workforvvarding means provided with devices for relativelypositioning box parts; fastenersetting mechanism; and means for causingrelative progression between said mechanism and the work, comprisinor afeed chain having connection with sai wor r-forwarding means, apluralityof members carried thereby4 and a motion-imparting device adapted topropulsively engage said members successively.

16. A machine for use in making boxes comprising, in combination,work-forvmiding means 'including spacing means; fastener-settingmechanism; and feeding means comprising a series of adjustable membersall having connection with the work-forwarding means and movabletherewith and a motion imparting device adapted ro propulsively engagesaid members successiif'ely: saidinacliine being adapted to operatewithA out interruption on materials for a plurality of boxes.

17. A machine for use iii making boxes comprising, in combination,work-forwarding means including spacing means: fastener-settingmechanism; and work-feeding lill means successively engaging each ofsaid controlling' members to carry the Work to fastener-receivingpositions.

27. A machine for use in making boxes comprising, in combination,Work-forwarding means; binding-wire-applying means includingfastener-setting mechanism; and means to successively present variablysep lected fastener-receiving points on `the work in fastener-receivingposition, comprising a plurality of members having connection with theWerl -forwarding means and located longitudinally thereof at pointscorresponding to the selected fastener-receiving points on the Work anda motion-i1n parting device engaging each said member in turn andadvancing its corresponding fastener-receiving point on the Work tofastener-receiving position.

28. A machine for' use in making boxes comprising, in combination, wor-forwarding means adapted to receive and y ostion materials for aplurality of box blan s; fastener-setting mechanism; and means topresent variably selected fastener-receiving points on said plurality ofblanks in fastener-receiving position, comprising a plurality of membershaving connection with the work-forwarding 'means` and located at pointscorresponding to the selected fastener-receiving points on the work anda motion-imparting'device engaging each said member in turn andadvancing its corresponding fastener-receiving point on the Work tofastener-receiving position.

29. A machine for use in making boxes comprising, in combination,endless Workforwarding means; fastener-setting mechanism; and means to4cause relative progression between said mechanism and the Work in stepsof controlled length to locate fasteners at selected oints on the Work,comprising an adjustable pattern of feed members for a unit of Work,having a fixed ratio of ,movement with the work-forwarding means, and amotion-imparting device engaging each of said members successively andadvancing the Work variable distances corresponding relatively to saidpattern.

30. A machine for use in making boxes comprising, in combination,endless Workforwarding means; fastener-setting mechanism: and means tocause relative progression between said mechanism and the Work in stepsof controlled length to locate fasteners at selected points on the Work`comprising an adjustable bers for a box blank having a lined ratio ofmovement with the Work-forwarding means and a motion-imparting deviceen- ,staging each of said members successively and advancing the workvariabledistances corresponding' relatively to said pattern.

31. A. machine for use in making boxes comprising, in combination,endless workcontrolled length to locate pattern of feed mem-l forwardingmeans; fastenerrsetting mecha.- nism; and means to cause relative nogression between said mechanism and the Work in steps of controlled lengthto locate fastenere at selected points on the work` c0mpricing anadjustable pattern of feed members for a series of units of Work havinga fixed ratio of move-ment with the Wm'k-forwarding means and amotion-imparting device engav'in f each of said members successively amat vancing the work variable distances corresponding relatively to saidpattern.

32. A machine for use in making boxes comprisinfr, in combination,woiloforwarding means; fastener-setting mechanism; and means to causerelative progression between said mechanism and the Work in steps ofcontrolled length to locate fasteners at se lected points on the Work,comprising an adjustable pattern of feed members for a series of boxblanks having a fixed ratio of move ment with the Work-forwarding meansand a motion-imparting device engagin each ci' said members successivelyand acvancing the Work variable distances corresponding relatively tosaid pattern; said machine b-eing adapted to operate Withoutinterruption on materials for a plurali-ty of boxes.

32. A machine for use in making boxes comprising, in combination,Work-forward ing means; fastener-setting mechanism; and mea-ns to causerelative progression between said mechanism and the work in steps offasteners at lected points on the Work, comprising a pattern of feedmembers for a unit of work. having a fixed ratio of movement with thework-forwarding means and a n`1otion-inln parting device engaging eachof saidmenibers successively and advancing the work variable distancescorresponding relatively; to said pattern; said pattern of feed membersbeing constructed and arranged to automatically feed a succession ofunits of .work and vlocate fasteners in cach unit ac coidin to saidpattern.

34. machine for use n making boxes comprising, in combination,Work-forwarding means; fastener-setting mechanism; and means to causerelative progression between. said mechanism and the Work in steps oicontrolled length to locate. fasteners at selected points on the Work.,comprisingT a pattern of feed members for a box blank. having a fixedratio of movement with the Work-forwarding means and a motion-inl@parting device engaging each of said members sm'cessivelj;7 andadvancing the work variable distances corresponding relatively to saidpattern: said pattern of feed members being constructed and arranged toautomatically feed a succession of box blanks and locate fasteners ineach blank according to said pattern.

feed members being' lected `points on `the vbox .blanks and locate saidVmechanism and the Work, in steps'of controlled length to 'locatefasteners at selected points on the work, comprising a pattern of, feedmembers 'for a serios of units of work, having a fixed vratio of move-=`P ment with the Work-forwarding ineansand a niotionv'imparting deviceengaginveach o said members successively7 and advancing the" workvvariable distances 1 co-ii'espcniding;4 relatively to'said pattern; saidpattern ot i p constructed and ar-4 rangedto automatically eedasuccession of series of unitsof work andlocate `tastcncrs in each seriesaccording to said pattern, i

36.A Ani'arhine for use in making-boxes comprising, incombination,work-forwardingymeans; fastener-setting mechanism; and means to causerelative progression between said mechanism and the work in' steps ofcontrolled length to locate 4fasteners atsework, comprising a patternioffeed members for a `series of box blanks, having-aimed 'ratio ofmovement with he work-forwarding means'a'ndla inotion-imparting'deviceengaging each of said members successivelyT .and advancing the workvariablev distances corresponding relafY tively to said pattern; saidpattern of 'leed members being constructed and arranged automatically`to feed a succession ci series of fasteners in each sei-ies accordingto said pattern.`

S7; A- machine for use coi'nprising, in combination, Work-forward ingmeans; fastenerLsetting mechanism; and means to cause relativeprogression between said mechanism-and the 'work in steps ofconf inmaking boxes t-ifolled length to locate fasteners at selectedlWorkworlcforwarfding points on the Work, ycompi: ising4 a 4 feed chainfixed ratio of movement with the,A

having a l y orwardmg means and carrying a a unit of work pattern orfeed members f0r and a motionimparting ldevice propulsively en'agi-ngeach of said members siuioessivelyA and advan'csing the Work variabledistances correspondinY relatively-to said pattern.

A machine for'nse vin making boxes comprising, in combination,-work-forwarding' ,means fastener-settingA mechanism g and means to canserelative progression between Saidinechanism and the work in steps ofcontrolled length to locateiastenersat selected points on the work,comprising a 'feed chain lxavinga fixed ratio fof movement with themeansy and carrying a pattern of feed members 4for a box blank and amotionmparting' device propn'lsivel),1 elimembers successively andvadvancing the Work variable distances-` correspondingy relatively to.said pattern,

of u'ork anda motionimparting device proc of said members siicpulsivelyen gagin g cach cessively and advancing;` the. work variable distances.corresponding relatively' to n said pattern. c V

40. ,l machine 'oifuse in making Aboxes' comprising, `in combination,ivork-torward ing means; fastener-setting mechanism; and means to causerelative. progression between said mechanism and tl'ie \vork in steps ofcontrolled length tor locate. fasteners atV seV i lected points on theWork, comprising a feed chain having a fixed ratio of movement 4with thework-torwardiiw'means and carrvin a pattern of. feedinemrbersfor aseries of ox blanks and 'a motion-imparting device propulsivcly engagingeach ofsaidmembers successively and advancing the Vivorkvariabledistances corresponding relatively to said pattern. b

41. A machine 'forfusein making boxes comprising, in combination, ingmeans; fastener-setting mechanism; and means to canse relativeprogression bet-Ween said mechanism and the work in steps of controlledlengthy to locate fasteners at se lected points on the work,comjjirising a feed chain having a fixed ratio of `movement AWith thework-forwarding means and carrying a pattern of feed membersfor a unitofl work and a motion-impe,i'ting` device propulsively engaging each' ofsaid members, successively and advancingthe workevariable distancescorresponding relatively said pattern operating a succession of units otfasteners `in each unit Yaccording to said pattern. L 42. A machine foruse in making boxes' comprising, in combination, work-forward* ing meansfastenersetting mechanism `and means to cause relative progressionbetween said mechanism and the work in steps of controlled length tolocate fasteners atfse' lected points on the work, comprising a patternof feed mem erslfor a box blank and a motion-impatmg device4pi'opulsively engagging each o' said members successively and advancing'the workvariable distances?, `corresponding'relatively to said patternsaid pattern operating automatically to fee a succession .o boxblanksand to locate Work-forward! to said pattern; automatically to feedwork and to locate vsaid pattern ;4` said comprising, in combination,wor

fasteners in each blank yaccording to said pattern. j i

43. lA machine for use in making boxes comprising, in combination,work-forwarding means; fastener-setting mechanism; and meansl to causerelative progression between said mechanism andthe work in steps ofcontrolled length to locate fasteners vat selected points on the work,comprising a feed chain having a fixed ratio of movement with thework-forwarding means and carrying a pattern of feed members for aseries of units of work and a motion-imparting device proplsivelyengaging each of said members successively and advancing the workvariable distances corresponding relatively to Said pattern; saidpattern operating automatically to feed a succession of series of unitsof work'and to locate fasteners in each Series 'accordingv to saidpattern. 44. A machine for use in making boxes comprising, incombination, work-forward- `v-ing means; fastener-setting mechanism; and

means to cause relative progression between saidmechanism and the workin steps of controlled length to locate fasteners at selected points onthe work, comprising a feed Vchain having-a fixed ratio of movement withthe work-forwarding means and carrying a pattern of feed members for aseries of box blanks and a motionimparting device ropulsively engagingeach of said mem ers successively and advancing the work variabledistances corresponding relatively to pattern operating automatically tofeed a succession of series of box blanks and'to locate fasteners ineach series according to said pattern.

45. A machine for use in making boxes comprising, in combination,work-forwarding means; fastener-setting mechanism; and means to'causerelative progression between said mechanism and the work in steps ofcontrolled length to locate fasteners at selected oints on the work,comprising a feed chain lihving connection with the work-forwardingmeans sind correlated in movement therewith; ya pattern of feed memberscarried thereby and a motion-imparting device propulsively 4engagingeach of said feed Axnembers successively and advancing the work'variabledistances corresponding relatively to said patternj y j 46. A machinefoi use i-n making boxes -forwarding means; binding-mre-applying meansin'- clu'ding .fastener-setting mechanism; and

`means to cause relative progression between said mechanism andthef'work in steps of controlled v length to locate fasteners atselected points on they work, comprising a `pattern of feed membershaving connection -with the work-forwarding means and having a fixedratio of movement therewith and tances corresponding relatively to -saidf pattern.

117. A machine for use in making boxes comprising, in combination,fastener-setting mechanism; means for positioning and forwarding boxparts; and means to cause relative pro ression between saidfastener-setting mec anism and the box p-arts in steps of controlledlength to locate fasteners on the work, comprising a pattern ofselectively spaced members having a fixed ratio of movement with thework-forwarding means and means propulsively engagin each of saidmembers successivelyr to a vence the work variable distancesintermittently according to said pattern. Y

4.8. In a machine for use in making boxes having relatively movablework-forwarding means and fastener-setting mechanism; a. regulablefeeding mechanism com rising va feed chain having connection with t eworkforwarding means and correlated in movement therewith, wherebymovement of said feed chain a certain distance produces a certainmovement of the work-forwarding means and means ropulsively engaging insuccession each o a lseries of selectively spaced members carried bysaid feed chain to advance the same variable distances intermittently. A

49. ln a box blank machine, a work holder comprising a plurality ofendless chains; means to drive said chains intermittentl including meansto vary the length of said intermittent movement, comprising areciprocating actuator acting successively on each of a series ofadjustable teeth carried by a rotatable element having connection withsaid chains.

50. A machine for use in making wirebound boxes comprising, incombination, means for receiving and positioning the box parte; meansfor applying binding wire to the box parts; and mechanism to causerelative progression between said binding-wireapplying means land saidwork-positioning means, comprising a series of adjustable members allhaving connection with one of said means and movable therewith, and anactuator adapted to propulsively engage said members successively; saidAmachine constituting an organization adapted for uninterruptedoperation upon materials for a plurality of boxes.

51. A machine for use in making wirelll bound boxes comprising, incombination,f

LOW

adjustable members all, having connection Vwith `Said Work-forwardingmeans and movable therewith, v and anA` actuator adapted to :ITOllSiYelyengage said members successively. Y

. 7 '52.- A. jm achiiie for use in m'alring wirea succession or'relative step v4 f tween lsaid` mechiinisni and flexible `driving meanshaving 4ad- Y boiind boxesl comprising,

iiieehanism; and a Vsingle means mechanism; ao

in combination,

plying, means including fastenersetting mechanism; andasmgle meansforcaiising `movements between Isa id 'm ec lianism and thefwoilg com-Riisin a le'xibleratchet driving means havmgacljiistable teeth-` `53.`machine for use iii making b onnd boites"l comprising, workforwardingmeans pl'yii'ig means Wirein4 combination,vbindingfwire-apa'ste'nerfsetting for causing n succession loi Vrelative stepgmove'ments bew the Worlr,l comincliiding risin instel)vice.. adapted., to -ipropulsively engage said teethlsuccessively-., A

" 54: A maehine ion-needn making wireef' teeth, anda motion-impartingde- Work-forwarding means g k fasteneiset ting Y 4 and a single meansVfor causing '.,siiccession of. relative step movements be A hound;fboxes. comprising-,

.. a ratchet adj iistable= in circumference.

in making wireiii-l combination,

5,5. A :machine vfor use vvoikl forwadingg means; 4vefastener-setting-meehanism :and asingle means ior causing bound boxes comprising,.work-orxvarding 'Y means;

l mechanismgand .a succession VVoft-.relative Vstep n overnents hevItween- Ysaid mec f adiustable ciresm relativelj'ai"toy the'.y lengthcfg 'said f vverlrfor-r wardiUg-mha. ar t '-fcarriedtligerebmiandemotion-imparting de-` adapted-gtofpropiilsively engage..

a `si1ccession-otlrelative step movements between saidmeclianism and'thework,inclnd in .a ratchet- --adjustable Vin circumference an-1liavingadjustable teeth. i v 56, A machinefor usefin making wireinY`combination,

-fastenensetting a single inean'siio causing Lansin'-anfdl the AWork,.com 'prising f es ratchet. consisting'of chain links,

)adjiistiilhleteetli-Iseciired. tou said links, and

Jboufnd: hoxesf'comprisigngf in combination,

endless Work-'dmarding meansadjnable ini len" jh 5f l'fasteneiif'settingmechanism 5 and -ajsie 'eanst'o' can e relative progression there@ineens-:mm flexblerat'cht risas' e'ientially 'to correspond series: oi-i-adjnstable teeth in combination,

siiccession a plurality said bound boxes comprising, endlessVwork-forwarding means adjustable in length; fastener-setting mechanismVand means to canse relative regression therebetivcemcomprising a fixedratio of movement in combination,

with said workfforf `Werding means and being adjustable circnxnvfn-ii'entially` to `aceonriinodate adjnstments in 4v said'worlr-forwardingmeans,

a series of adjustable teeth carriedthereby, and-a motionimpartingengagesaidtecth successively. i 59Amachine foryiise in making wirebeund.boxes comprising, in combination, vvorlpforwai'slliii means; y mechanisman 1 ratchet means for; causing relative .step-by-step progressiontherebef tween, comprising; an endless connectioneaddevice adapted topropnlsively u flexible ratchet having a fastener-setting justable inlength and provided with members `adjnstabletovary their spacing, Ymotion-imparting said members in device engaging each of succession toadvance anda x connection according to the spacingof said:-

v members.

h ofA said'4 mem ers in each of a plurality of workaccording tosaidpattern without interrupting the operation of the machinek-` successiveunits of anda motion-im arting 61. A machine for `use in making WirefWork-omvaidingmeans; i fastener-setting mechanism; :and ratchet meanslion-causing relative step-bystep progression therebe-V tn een,` comrising an endlessfeon jiistablefin-- ength.' andprovided with a pal?44ternof adj establemembersseltivelyspac members 'in Vsi]ccessionj-a `vto, advance cachot a pliira the machine.

'fiction ad? bound boxes eomfprisinig,` in combination,

tern without interruptingtheioperationo 1 .Y

:sa a mensa foi-Tiss intim-king wirehoundf boines-V comprising, in#comb' work-.forwarding f-ineane';

sfepfby-step progressionatherehetween, coniprisingatchet mechanism-provid succession of detachable: whereby `said teethcanbe= increasedand; decreased in number; amilE wherebyv4 the spacing fofv saidvfasteneii-settiiig2. 'toy causerelative teeth een be varied, and meansfor successively propulsively engaging each of said teeth to advance theWorksforw'arding means according to the relative spacing of said teeth.

63. Feed mechanism for advenein endless work-forwarding means variableistances intermittently comprising a, feed chain synchronized inmovement with the endless Work-forwardin means and including a. seriesof adjustsl 1e members, and means controlled by said adjustable membersfor driving seid feed chain variable distances intermittently.

JOHN SHELLENBERGER.

